We are told to eat a diet rich in antioxidants every day, but when it comes to our skin, applying products rich in antioxidants can be game changing too. But what exactly are antioxidants, and why are they so essential for our skin? Keep reading for our guide on these age-defying skin saviours, from their many benefits to the antioxidants you’ll want to ensure are in your daily skincare routine.

What are antioxidants?

Antioxidants are powerful compounds that defend our skin from free radicals. But what are these free radicals, you might be thinking? Free radicals are unstable molecules generated by exposure to factors like UV rays, pollution, cigarette smoking, industrial chemicals and more! They wreak havoc on our skin by causing damage to cells, speeding up the ageing process, and contributing to a range of skin issues!

Antioxidants, on the other hand, neutralize these free radicals, preventing them from causing damage to our skin. Think of antioxidants as the shield that protects our skin from the constant assault of modern life!

 

The benefits of antioxidants

Now that we know what antioxidants are, let’s talk about the many benefits they bring to our skin.

1. Anti-Ageing

Antioxidants are the secret weapon against premature ageing. They help reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots by neutralizing free radicals and supporting the skin’s natural repair process.

2. Skin brightening

If you’re dealing with dull, lacklustre skin antioxidants can come to the rescue. They promote a brighter complexion by tackling oxidative stress and enhancing skin radiance.

3. Sun damage defence

While sunscreen is our first line of defence against UV rays, antioxidants play a crucial role in repairing and preventing sun damage. They work hand-in-hand with SPF to shield our skin from the harmful effects of sun exposure.

4. Inflammation soothing

Antioxidants have anti-inflammatory properties, making them ideal for calming irritated skin. Whether you’re dealing with redness, sensitivity, or conditions like rosacea, antioxidants can help ease discomfort and promote a more balanced complexion.

5. Collagen boosting

Collagen is the holy grail of youthful skin, and antioxidants are its best friend. By neutralizing free radicals that break down collagen, antioxidants contribute to maintaining the skin’s elasticity and firmness.

The top antioxidants in skincare and their benefits

When it comes to incorporating antioxidants into your skincare routine, there is a diverse range to choose from, here are the most loved by the experts;

 

1. Vitamin C

Also known as ascorbic acid, Vitamin C is known as the true glow getter of the skincare world.

It brightens the complexion by inhibiting melanin production, diminishing dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Its versatility extends to supporting the skin’s natural regeneration process, contributing to a youthful and radiant appearance.

But vitamin C isn’t just about skin brightening, it more importantly shields skin from free radical damage induced by UV exposure and environmental pollutants, while also stimulating collagen synthesis, promoting skin elasticity and reducing fine lines!

Incorporating vitamin C into your skincare routine aids in protection, repair, and overall skin vitality, making it a foundation for a luminous complexion.

Recommended products;

Pevonia Vitamin C Complex – this Vitamin C Serum is a-mazing for that perfect pick-me-up. Vitamin C and hydration hero hyaluronic acid, work together to quite literally drench skin with repairing antioxidants, deeply nourishing skin while correcting photo-damage. Not only does it have the most beautiful citrus aroma, when applied, skin looks instantly brighter and dewier too!

Naturys Anti-Age Antioxidant Facial Toner – rich in vitamin c and hyaluronic acid, this anti-ageing toner not only cleanses and rebalances the skin but nourishes and brightens it too! Is the perfect way to complete a full facial cleanse! Youll love the results, trust us!

Phytomer Cyfolia Organic Radiance Moisturising Mask – rich in orange water, aloe vera, rose and ceadarwood this creamy deeply nourishing mask revitalised dull skin leaving it fresh, visibly plumped and beautifully radiant. We LOVE it!

2. Niacinamide

A form of vitamin B3, this skincare powerhouse is renowned for its multifaceted benefits.

A truly versatile ingredient, it strengthens the skin barrier, reducing moisture loss and enhancing hydration.

Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, niacinamide also calms redness, making it ideal for sensitive skin. It also regulates oil production, minimizing pores and balancing sebum levels.

What’s more, niacinamide brightens skin tone, diminishes dark spots, and supports collagen production, combating signs of ageing.

Recommended products:

ELES Calming and Soothing Sheet Mask – drenched with the highest percentage of natural, active ingredients on the market, this calming mask reduces inflammation, redness and heat and restores a protective barrier to prevent moisture loss. It’s also vegan, cruelty free, fragrance free and sulphate free.

Naturys Deep Purifying Serum – If you’ve got oily to combination skin, you simply must give this purifying serum a try. Formulated with niacinamide, bakuchiol and vitamin C and enriched with olive oil microcapsules that melt when in contact with the skin, it helps correct overproduction of sebum, enlarged pores, acne and skin prone to redness. It’s seriously good stuff!

 

3. Vitamin E

Known as the nourishing antioxidant, vitamin E or tocopherol, safeguards the skin from oxidative stress caused by free radicals, UV rays, and pollution. This protective shield helps prevent premature ageing, supporting skin elasticity and resilience.

Vitamin E‘s hydrating properties nourish and moisturise the skin, promoting a supple complexion. Known for its ability to soothe and calm irritated skin, vitamin E contributes to a balanced and healthy skin barrier.

Recommended products:

Pevonia Vitaminic Concentrate – Fast-absorbing, this soothing, silky anti-oxidant oil radically combats premature ageing, dehydration, and excessive dryness by locking in hydration and delivering moisture that stays! So you’ll wake up to smooth, supple, and seriously glowy skin every morning. We are obsessed!

Medicalia – Sunscreen SPF 40 with Blue Light Shield – No one likes slathering on sunscreen, but it is THE most important step in your daily routine, and we don’t need to remind you why! Sunscreen IS essential all year round but we get that sunscreen often doesn’t feel good, no one likes the thick, oily slick that some can leave, not to mention the smell, but this one by Medicalia is subtle in fragrance, is rich in antioxidants vitamin e, green tea and hyaluronic acid, offers skin a smooth tinted look and protects skin against UV rays and Blue light damage omitted from all those devices we love to use! That’s right your devices can and will affect your skin just as the harmful rays from the sun do, and this sunscreen will help prevent that! We love it!

4. Vitamin A (retinol)

Hailed as the anti-ageing hero, this favourite antioxidant helps with cell turnover, stimulates collagen production, accelerates cell renewal and repairs damaged DNA.

Just be careful though as retinol can be a little much for some skin types so it’s best to start introducing it into your skincare routine slowly and apply it only at night. For more information on retinol click here.

 Recommended products:

Pevonia’s Micro-Retinol Essential Moisturiser – For those with advanced signs of ageing – wrinkles, loose and sagging skin, and uneven skin tone or dark spots,  is your go-to! This powerhouse product (and range!) is the perfect all-rounder! Formulated with antioxidants retinol and hyaluronic acid, it deeply hydrates, smooths, brightens and firms! Best results when used in conjunction with Pevonia’s Micro-Retinol Essential Serum.

Vie Collection – Retinopur Wrinkles Imperfections Fluid – If your skin is prone to sensitivity and irritation but you really want to give retinol a try, you need to pick your product with care and this retinol fluid will be a great solution for you! While retinol is the main ingredient, it is encapsulated therefore limits tolerance risks and boosts the effectiveness of the retinol which is released gradually. Just remember to introduce it very slowly, 2 nights the first week, 3 nights the second week and so on.

5. Hyaluronic acid

Hyaluronic acid, often celebrated for its hydrating properties, may not be a conventional antioxidant, but it plays a crucial role in supporting the skin’s defence mechanisms. Despite not directly neutralizing free radicals like traditional antioxidants, hyaluronic acid contributes to antioxidant function indirectly. By promoting optimal skin hydration, it helps maintain the skin barrier, preventing environmental stressors from penetrating and causing oxidative damage. Essentially, well-hydrated skin is better equipped to fend off free radicals, making hyaluronic acid an essential ingredient when it comes to the ongoing battle against premature ageing and environmental aggressors.

Recommended products:

Pevonia Hyaluronic Acid Hydra Serum – This hyaluronic acid serum features one of the highest concentrations of hyaluronic acid on the skincare market, combined with a powerful duo of marine collagen and hibiscus esculentus extract for optimum anti-ageing results. It penetrates deeply into the skin delivering smoother, softer, plumper, firming and brighter skin! What’s more it’s ideal for all skin types!

Vie Collection Mesoforce Hyaluronic Acid Vitamin Mask – Rich in hyaluronic acid and a cocktail of vitamins, this sensational mask reveals hydrated skin and a radiant complexion. With each application, skin is visibly smoothed and plumped.

What’s more if you purchase this product this February you’ll receive a FREE Vie Collection Mesoforce Hydra Revitalizing Cream!

6. Green Tea

Green tea earns its title as one of the top antioxidants due to its rich content of polyphenols, specifically a subgroup called catechins. These antioxidant powerhouses combat free radicals, protecting the skin from environmental damage and premature aging. With anti-inflammatory properties, green tea soothes irritated skin, reducing the appearance of redness and puffiness, and promoting a balanced complexion. Its cell regeneration capabilities contribute to a fresher appearance, reducing fine lines. Ideal for various skin types, green tea regulates oil production, making it an essential ingredient for a clear and vibrant complexion.

Recommended products:

Naturys Anti-Age Well Aging Eye Contour Cream – worried about your eyes ageing. Try this beauty! It is lightweight, fast-absorbing, nourishing and moisturising and visibly reduces signs of ageing, fatigue, fine lines, puffiness, and improves the elasticity of the delicate skin around the eyes! Seriously good stuff packed with antioxidant goodness green tea, peptides, bakuchiol and caffeine!

Pevonia RS2 Care Cream – If you suffer from ultra-sensitive or rosacea prone skin you will love this seriously nurturing cream. Formulated with Green Tea, Licorice, and Chamomile, it soothes skin while providing vaso-constricting, repairing, protecting and hydrating benefits!

 

How to incorporate antioxidants into your skincare routine

1. Choose products with a mix of antioxidants for comprehensive protection
2. Layer your antioxidants under sunscreen for enhanced defence against UV damage.
3. Use antioxidants daily to maximise benefits and for optimal results.

By incorporating these powerhouse ingredients into your skincare routine, you’re not just pampering your skin; you’re providing it with the defence it needs to shine with radiance.